The Median Sib

When I first started working with Alicia last year, she was in the fourth grade and reading at a first grade level - on a good day.  I worked with her individually last year and in a small group this year.  I also placed her with a weekly individual reading tutor.  Today was the last day of school for this year.  When I returned to my room after running an errand to the first grade hall, I found a note on my desk from Alicia.  In one short note, she illustrated what is truly the best reward of teaching.  Earlier I had copied her note, but after getting home and after covering her real name (and yes - a rather sloppy job of covering her name), I scanned the note:

Last year she wouldn’t have been able to write that note.  Her handwriting is fairly neat and legible.  Sure, she still has a long way to go, but her progress is remarkable.  I can only hope that she will get the help she needs in middle school, too.   And, I am glad she was my “reading girl” this year.

My final thoughts on this season of American Idol:

I really like Katherine McPhee.  I like the way she smiles when she sings, I REALLY liked the way she sang ”Black Horse With a Cherry Tree” that the judges criticized Tuesday night, and, contrary to what the judges kept saying, I think she DOES sing those Celine Dion-type songs very well.  I voted for her about a dozen times Tuesday night.  I like Taylor Hicks, too, but I didn’t vote for him at all.  

When the judges ripped Katherine for “Black Horse . . .” Tuesday night, I was puzzled.  She did a great job, and the song fit her.  I thought it was one of the top performances during the competition.  There was nothing to criticize.  The judges wanted Taylor to win, and they did their best to sway votes.  They unfairly criticized Katherine many times the last few weeks of the competition.  I think they were determined to have a male winner this year.  My dozen votes for Katherine were my small protest against Randy and Paula.  She didn’t deserve their negative comments the last month.

BUT I think Taylor deserved to win, and I think he’s a great singer and performer.  There was no doubt he’d win the competition when it came down to him and Katherine.  Chris should have been in the final three with Taylor and Katherine.  Elliot shouldn’t have even been in the top twelve, and he sure didn’t deserve to be in the top three.  I think he got a lot of sympathy votes. I admire his strength of character, too, and I think he’s got a good voice.  But he doesn’t have an American Idol voice.

This year’s American Idol reminds me of this season’s Apprentice.  There were some good contenders, but there were no knock-down-drag-out fantastic obvious stars.  Although they’ll do well, I don’t think Taylor or Katherine or Chris will end up being super stars.